Kenwood PKT-23 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
© B62-2576-00 (K)
09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
PKT-23

i
THANK YOU
We are grateful for your purchase of this KENWOOD product
and welcome you to the Business Radio Service (BRS).
Your KENWOOD 2-way Business Radio is called a
“transceiver”, meaning “transmitter & receiver”. We believe
this easy-to-use transceiver will provide you with dependable
and reliable communications. This KENWOOD transceiver is a
precision device. Treat it with care, and you will enjoy years of
reliable operation.
FEATURES
• 4channelswith99UHFoperatingfrequencies.Eachchannel
can be set up with a QT tone or DQT code allowing you to
ignore unwanted calls.
• Handsfreeoperationwhenusinganoptionalheadset.
• Voiceannouncementletsyouknowwhichchannelyouhave
selected and which settings you have made when reassigning
keyfunctionsandchannelsettings.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Condition Transmission Range
Open locations
(no obstructions) Upto5miles(8km)
In steel/ concrete
reinforced buildings Upto225,000squarefeet(20,900m2)
In high rises Up to 17 floors
Note: The listed ranges are based on field testing and may vary
with your operating conditions and individual transceiver.

ii
FCC LICENSE INFORMATION
Your KENWOOD transceiver operates on communications
frequencieswhicharesubjecttoFCC(Federal
Communications Commission) Rules & Regulations. FCC
RulesrequirethatalloperatorsusingPrivateLandMobile
radiofrequenciesobtainaradiolicensebeforeoperatingtheir
equipment.ApplicationforlicensemustbemadeonFCCform
601, schedules D and H, and Remittance form 159.
FAX: Forms can be obtained by fax from the FCC Fax-On-
Demand system. Call 1-202-418-0177 from your fax machine
andrequestdocumentnumber000601fortheform,schedules,
and instructions.
MAIL: Forms can be ordered by telephone, and will be sent to
you by first class mail. Call the FCC Forms Hotline at
1-800-418-FORM (1-800-418-3676).
INTERNET: Form 601 and instructions can be downloaded
from the FCC Forms website at
http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html
Before filling out your Form 601 application Technical Data
section,youmustdecideonwhichfrequenciesyouwilloperate.
Seethefrequencychartsonpages13and14.
QUESTIONS?CalltheFCCforlicenseapplicationquestionsat
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).

iii
One or more of the following statements may be
applicable:
FCC WARNING
 Thisequipmentgeneratesorusesradiofrequencyenergy.Changesor
modicationstothisequipmentmaycauseharmfulinterferenceunless
the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction manual.
Theusercouldlosetheauthoritytooperatethisequipmentifan
unauthorized change or modification is made.
INFORMATION TO THE DIGITAL DEVICE USER REQUIRED BY
THE FCC
 Thisequipmenthasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimitsfor
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
 Thisequipmentgenerates,usesandcangenerateradiofrequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular
installation.Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradioor
televisionreception,whichcanbedeterminedbyturningtheequipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandreceiver.
• Connecttheequipmenttoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthat
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consultthedealerfortechnicalassistance.
ATTENTION:
The RBRC Recycle seal found on KENWOOD lithium-
ion(Li-ion)batterypacksindicatesKENWOOD’s
voluntary participation in an industry program to collect
and recycle Li-ion batteries after their operating life
has expired.The RBRC program is an alternative to
disposing Li-ion batteries with your regular refuse or in
municipal waste streams, which is illegal in some areas.
For information on Li-ion battery recycling in your area, call (toll free)
1-800-8-BATTERY (1-800-822-8837).
KENWOOD’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to
preserve our environment and conserve our natural resources.

iv
NOTICES TO THE USER
◆Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio
transmitters within the territories under government control.
◆Illegal operation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
◆ Referservicetoqualiedtechniciansonly.
Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of, and
understands, hazards common to the operation of any
transceiver.
PRECAUTIONS
• Donotchargethetransceiverandbatterypackwhentheyarewet.
• Ensurethattherearenometallicitemslocatedbetweenthe
transceiverandthebatterypack.
• DonotuseoptionsnotspeciedbyKENWOOD.
• Ifanytransceiverpartisdamaged,donottouchthedamaged
parts.
• Ifaheadsetorheadphoneisconnectedtothetransceiver,reduce
the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume level when
turningthesquelchoff.
• Donotplacethecableoftheclipmicrophonewithearphone/
hangeraroundyourneckwhilenearmachinerythatmaycatchthe
cable.
• Donotplacethetransceiveronunstablesurfaces.Ifthetransceiver
switches OFF/ON as a result of falling or hard impact, the volume
and channel configurations may reset.
• Ensurethattheendoftheantennadoesnottouchyoureyes.
• Donotimmersethetransceiverinwater.
• Alwaysswitchthetransceiverpoweroffbeforeinstallingoptional
accessories.
• ThechargeristhedevicethatdisconnectstheunitfromtheAC
mains line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.

v
• Donotmodifythetransceiverforanyreason.
• Donotplacethetransceiveronornearairbagequipmentwhilethe
vehicle is running. When the airbag inflates, the transceiver may be
ejectedandstrikethedriverorpassengers.
• Donottransmitwhiletouchingtheantennaterminalorifanymetallic
parts are exposed from the antenna covering. Transmitting at such a
timemayresultinahigh-frequencyburn.
• Ifanabnormalodororsmokeisdetectedcomingfromthetransceiver,
switchthetransceiverpoweroffimmediately,removethebatterypack
from the transceiver, and contact your KENWOOD dealer.
• Useofthetransceiverwhileyouaredrivingmaybeagainsttrafclaws.
Pleasecheckandobservethevehicleregulationsinyourarea.
• Donotexposethetransceivertoextremelyhotorcoldconditions.
• Donotcarrythebatterypack(orbatterycase)withmetalobjects,as
they may short the battery terminals.
• Dangerofexplosionifthebatteryisincorrectlyreplaced;replace
only with the same type.
• Whenoperatingthetransceiverinareaswheretheairisdry,itis
easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When using
an earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for the
transceivertosendanelectricshockthroughtheearphoneandto
your ear. Do not use an earphone/microphone accessory in areas
where static electricity can be easily generated.
• Whenattachingacommercialstraptothetransceiver,ensurethat
the strap is durable. In addition, do not swing the transceiver around
bythestrap;youmayinadvertentlystrikeandinjureanotherperson
with the transceiver.
Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:
• Inexplosiveatmospheres(inammablegas,dustparticles,metallic
powders, grain powders, etc.).
• Whiletakingonfuelorwhileparkedatgasolineservicestations.
• Nearexplosivesorblastingsites.
• Inaircraft.(Anyuseofthetransceivermustfollowtheinstructions
and regulations provided by the airline crew.)
• Whererestrictionsorwarningsarepostedregardingtheuseofradio
devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.
• Nearpersonsusingpacemakers.

vi
Information concerning the battery pack:
Thebatterypackincludesammableobjectssuchasorganic
solvent. Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture
producing flames or extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other
forms of damage to the battery. Please observe the following
prohibitive matters.
• Do not disassemble or reconstruct the battery!
 Thebatterypackhasasafetyfunctionandprotectioncircuitto
avoid danger. If they suffer serious damage, the battery may
generateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not short-circuit the battery!
Do not join the + and – terminals using any form of metal (such
asapapercliporwire).Donotcarryorstorethebatterypackin
containersholdingmetalobjects(suchaswires,chain-necklacesor
hairpins).Ifthebatterypackisshort-circuited,excessivecurrentwill
owandthebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburst
into flame. It will also cause metal objects to heat up.
• Do not incinerate or apply heat to the battery!
If the insulator is melted, the gas release vent or safety function is
damaged, or the electrolyte is ignited, the battery may generate
heatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not leave the battery near fire, stoves, or other heat
generators (areas reaching over 60°C/ 140°F)!
If the polymer separator is melted due to high temperature, an
internal short-circuit may occur in the individual cells and the
batterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not immerse the battery in water or get it wet by other
means!
If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may
charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical
reactionmayoccur.Thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,
rupture, or burst into flame.
• Do not charge the battery near fire or under direct sunlight!
If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may
charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical
reactionmayoccur.Thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,
rupture, or burst into flame.

vii
• Use only the specified charger and observe charging
requirements!
If the battery is charged in unspecified conditions (under high
temperature over the regulated value, excessive high voltage or
current over regulated value, or with a remodeled charger), it may
overcharge or an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The
batterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not pierce the battery with any object, strike it with an
instrument, or step on it!
 Thismaybreakordeformthebattery,causingashort-circuit.The
batterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not jar or throw the battery!
 Animpactmaycausethebatterytoleak,generateheatorsmoke,
rupture, and/or burst into flame. If the battery’s protection circuit
is damaged, the battery may charge at an abnormal current (or
voltage), and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.The
batterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way!
 Thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstinto
flame.
• Do not solder directly onto the battery!
If the insulator is melted or the gas release vent or safety function
isdamaged,thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,or
burst into flame.
• Do not reverse the battery polarity (and terminals)!
When charging a reversed battery, an abnormal chemical reaction
may occur. In some cases, an unexpected large amount of current
may flow upon discharging. The battery may generate heat or
smoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not reverse-charge or reverse-connect the battery!
 Thebatterypackhaspositiveandnegativepoles.Ifthebattery
packdoesnotsmoothlyconnectwithachargeroroperating
equipment,donotforceit;checkthepolarityofthebattery.Ifthe
batterypackisreverse-connectedtothecharger,itwillbereverse-
charged and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The
batterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.

viii
• Do not touch a ruptured and leaking battery!
 Iftheelectrolyteliquidfromthebatterygetsintoyoureyes,wash
your eyes with fresh water as soon as possible, without rubbing
your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, it may
cause eye problems.
• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified time!
 Ifthebatterypackhasnotnishedchargingevenafterthe
regulated time has passed, stop it. The battery may generate heat
orsmoke,rupture,orburstintoame.
• Do not place the battery pack into a microwave or high
pressure container!
 Thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstinto
flame.
• Keep ruptured and leaking battery packs away from fire!
 Ifthebatterypackisleaking(orthebatteryemitsabadodor),
immediatelyremoveitfromammableareas.Electrolyteleaking
from the battery can easily catch on fire and may cause the
batterytogeneratesmokeorburstintoame.
• Do not use an abnormal battery!
 Ifthebatterypackemitsabadodor,appearstohavedifferent
coloring, is deformed, or seems abnormal for any other reason,
removeitfromthechargeroroperatingequipmentanddonotuse
it.Thebatterymaygenerateheatorsmoke,rupture,orburstinto
flame.
Firmware Copyrights
The title to and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in
KENWOOD product memories are reserved for JVC KENWOOD
Corporation.

1
CONTENTS
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT.......................... 1
PREPARATION .......................................................... 2
ORIENTATION ........................................................... 7
BASIC OPERATIONS ................................................... 9
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX) ......................... 11
CHANNEL SETUP MODE.............................................. 12
KEY ASSIGNMENT MODE ............................................18
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .........................................21
ALL RESET MODE.....................................................22
UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT
Carefullyunpackthetransceiver.Ifanyoftheitemslisted
below are missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier
immediately.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
• Batterycharger(KSC-44CR)/ACadapter(KSC-44SL) .........1
• Li-ionbatterypack(KNB-71L) ................................................1
• Beltclip(KBH-20)...................................................................1
• Screw(M3 x 6 mm with washer)...............................................2
• Warrantycard .........................................................................1
• Instructionmanual ..................................................................1
Note: Refer to “PREPARATION” for accessory installation
instructions.

2
PREPARATION
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
Thebatterypackisnotchargedatthefactory;chargeitbefore
use.Averagebatterypacklife(calculatedusing5%transmit
time,5%receivetime,and90%standbytime)is15hours.
Note:
◆The ambient temperature should be between 32°F and 104°F
(0°C and 40°C) while charging is in progress. Charging outside
this range may not fully charge the battery.
◆ Thebatterypacklifeisoverwhenitsoperatingtimedecreaseseven
though it is fully and correctly charged (approximately 500 cycles).
Replacethebatterypack.
◆ WhileoperatingthetransceiverusingaLi-ionbatterypackin
areas with an ambient temperature close to 0°C, the operating
time may be shortened.
◆We recommend using a short USB cable (low loss) for charging.
ATTENTION: SwitchOFFatransceiverequippedwithabattery
packbeforecharging.
nCharging with a USB Cable
• UseacommerciallyavailableUSB
cable (Micro USB B Type).
• Chargethetransceiverthrougha
commercially available PC or AC
adapter power source.
1Plug the USB cable (B Type) into
theMicroUSBjack.
2Connect the USB cable to your
PC or AC adapter.
• TheLEDindicatorlightsblue.
• ThetransceiverpowerturnsOFF
automatically.
Micro USB
JackCover

3
3When charging is complete, the
LED indicator turns off.
• Ittakesapproximately4hoursto
chargethebatterypack.
nCharging with the KSC-44CR Charger
1 PlugtheACadaptercableintothejack
located on the bottom of the charger.
2Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.
3 Slideatransceiverequippedwithabattery
packintothechargingslotofthecharger.
• Makesurethemetalcontactsofthe
transceiver mate securely with the
charger terminals.
• TheLEDindicatorlightsblue.
4When charging is complete, the
LED indicator turns off. Remove
the transceiver from the charging
slot of the charger.
• Ittakesapproximately4hoursto
chargethebatterypack.
• Transmissionisinhibitedwhile
charging.
• Whenthechargerwillnotbeused
for a long time, unplug the AC
adapter from the AC outlet.
LED
Indicator
LED
Indicator

4
REPLACING THE BATTERY PACK
Replaceanexpiredbatterypackwithanewlypurchased
KNB-71Lbatterypack.
◆ Donotdisassemblethebatterypack.
◆Be sure to follow local laws concerning the disposal of battery
packs.
1 Pullbackthebatterypacklatch,then
remove the battery cover from the
transceiver.
• Whenusingthebeltclip{page6},be
sure to remove it before removing the
battery cover.
2 Liftthebatterypackanditspacking
away from the transceiver.
• Liftthebatterypackcableand
remove the connector from the PCB
terminal.
3 Removetheoldbatterypackfromthe
packingandinsertthenewbattery
pack.
• Passthebatterypackcablethrough
theholeinthepacking.

5
4Insert the connector of the new
batterypackintothePCBterminalby
pressing down on it.
• Matchthedirectionoftheconnector
and insert it vertically.
5 Pullbackthebatterypacklatch,then
insertthebatterypackintoposition.
• Failuretopullbackthebatterypack
latchwillcausethebatterypacktobe
misaligned.
6Replace the battery cover over the
batterypack.
• Ensurethatthebatterypacklatch
locksthecoverinplace.
Red cable
(right side)

6
INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
If necessary, attach the belt clip using the two
supplied M3 x 6 mm screws (with washers).
Note: If the belt clip is not installed, its mounting
location may get hot during continuous transmission
or when left sitting in a hot environment.
Do not use glue which is designed to prevent screw loosening when
installing the belt clip, as it may cause damage to the transceiver.
Acrylicester,whichiscontainedintheseglues,maycrackthe
transceiver’sbackpanel.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/ MICROPHONE
Connect an earphone/ microphone to the
phonejackonthetopofthetransceiver.
Note:Tokeepthetransceiverwaterresistant,
thephonejackcovermustremainclosed.
Phone
jackcover
3.5 mm
plug

7
ORIENTATION
3.5 mm phone jack
Connect the earphone/
microphoneplugtothisjack.
Micro USB jack (B Type)
 ConnectaUSBcabletothisjack
to charge the transceiver battery
pack.
PF-1 key
 Pressorholdthiskeyfor
1 second to activate its
programmable functions. The
default settings are [Scan](press)
and [Super Lock-P](hold).
• Forfunctiondescriptionsand
details on how to change the
keyfunctions,referto“KEY
ASSIGNMENT MODE” on page
18.
PTT (Push to Talk) switch
 Pressandhold,thenspeakinto
the microphone to transmit.
Power switch
Hold for 1 second to turn the
transceiver power ON. Hold for 2
seconds to turn the transceiver
power OFF.
 Momentarilypressthiskeywhile
the transceiver power is ON to
activate the Battery Level Guide.
Refer to the “BATTERY LEVEL
GUIDE” table on page 10.
① ②
③
④
⑤
Speaker
Microphone
Antenna

8
LED indicator
Refer to the “LED INDICATOR
STATUS” table on page 10.
PF-2 key
 Pressthiskeytotogglethe
functionoftheUp/Downkeys
between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select
mode.Holdthiskeyfor1second
to activate its programmable
function. The default setting is
[Monitor].
• Forfunctiondescriptionsand
details on how to change the
keyfunctions,referto“KEY
ASSIGNMENT MODE” on page
18.
Up/Down keys
 Pressthesekeystoadjustthe
volume and change the channel.
• PressthePF-2keytotogglethe
functionoftheUp/Downkeys
between Volume Adjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
• Tochangetheoperating
frequencyorQT/DQTsettingsof
a channel, refer to “CHANNEL
SETUP MODE” on page 12.
Strap hole
Connect a commercially available
strap here.
• Whenusingthebeltclip,the
strap hole will be covered and
cannot be used. Instead, use the
strap hole of the belt clip.
⑥
⑦
⑧
⑨
Speaker
Antenna
Microphone

9
BASIC OPERATIONS
POWER AND VOLUME
1Hold the Power switch for approximately 1 second to switch
the transceiver power ON.
• AbeepsoundsandtheLEDindicatorblinksblueanumberof
times as described in the “BATTERY LEVEL GUIDE” table on
page 10.
• ToturnthepowerOFF,holdthePower switch for 2 seconds.
2In Volume Adjustment mode, press the Up/Downkeysto
adjust the volume.
• Pressthekeyprogrammedas[Squelch Off] to hear
backgroundnoise.
• PressthePF-2keytoswitchbetweenVolumeAdjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING
1In Channel Select mode, press the Up/Downkeystoselect
your desired channel.
• Afterselectingachannel,thetransceiverannouncesthe
channelnumberandtheLEDindicatorblinksyellowfora
number of times corresponding to the channel number. For
example, when selecting channel 3, “three” is announced and
theLEDindicatorblinksyellow3times.
• PressthePF-2keytoswitchbetweenVolumeAdjustment
mode and Channel Select mode.
2 Tomakeacall,pressandholdthePTT switch,thenspeak
intothemicrophoneusingyournormalspeakingvoice.
• Holdthemicrophoneapproximately1.5inches(3to4cm)from
your mouth.
3Release the PTT switch to receive.
Note:
◆Whenthebatterypackvoltagebecomestoolow,transmission
will stop and an alert tone will sound. (Low Battery Warning:
While operating the transceiver, the Low Battery Warning
sounds an alert tone every 30 seconds and the LED indicator
blinksredwhenthebatteryneedsrechargedorreplaced.)

10
◆Even when setting the volume to 0, the transceiver will continue
to emit beep sounds and channel announcements.
◆Continuously transmitting when the transceiver becomes too
hot will cause the output power to decrease and may eventually
stop transmission. Stop transmitting for a while to allow the
transceiver to cool down.
◆You may sometimes hear noise during communications,
depending on the caller’s transceiver.
LED INDICATOR STATUS
Indicator Color Meaning
Red Transmitting
Green Receiving a call
Blinkinggreen Scanning
Blinkslightblue1time Standby state *
Blinkingred Battery power is low
* The transceiver has not been used for at least 10 seconds.
BATTERY LEVEL GUIDE
You can determine the remaining battery power level by
pressing the Power switch while the transceiver power is
ON.TheLEDindicatorwillblinkblueanumberoftimes
corresponding to the battery power remaining.
Indicator Status Battery Level
Blinks3times High
Blinks2times Medium
Blinks1time Low
TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)
The Time-out Timer prevents callers from using a channel for
an extended duration (60 seconds). If you continuously transmit
for the duration, transmission will stop and an alert tone will
sound. To stop the tone, release the PTT switch.

11
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX)
VOX operation allows you to transmit hands-free. VOX can
only be used if you are using a supported clip microphone with
earphone/hanger. This function can be turned off for specific
channels. To activate VOX and set the VOX Gain level, perform
the following steps:
1
Connect the microphone with earphone/hanger to the transceiver.
• TheVOXfunctiondoesnotactivatewhenamicrophone with
earphone/hanger is not connected to the accessory terminal of
the transceiver.
2With the transceiver power OFF, press and hold the Upkey
while turning the transceiver power ON.
• TheLEDindicatorlightsyellowand“VOX”andthechannel
number are announced.
3Press the PF-1keytoselecttheVOXGainleveloftheradio
(from 1 ~ 5 or Off).
• ThetransceiverwillannouncetheVOXGainlevel.IftheVOX
Gain level is Off, a double beep sounds.
• PressthePF-2 keytoenableordisabletheVOXfunctionfor the
current channel (you can change this setting for each channel
by selecting a channel with the Up/Down keys).WhenVOXis
turned ON, a beep sounds. When it is turned OFF, a double beep
sounds.
4 Press and hold the PTT switch for 3 seconds to save the setting.
• Abeepwillsound.
5Turn the transceiver power OFF and then ON again to
activate VOX.
Note:
◆The transceiver will automatically return to normal operation if
no action is performed for 20 seconds.
◆VOX Gain level 1 is the least sensitive and VOX Gain level 5 is
the most sensitive.
◆When the microphone with earphone/hanger is inserted and the
VOX function is enabled, battery save mode will be disabled.
◆If a microphone with earphone/hanger is connected to the
transceiver while the VOX function is switched ON and the VOX
Gain level is configured to a higher, more sensitive level, louder
received signals may cause the transceiver to start transmitting.